In religion, the importance of an oath holds exceptional significance. Keeping promises is one of the fundamental ethical principles in Islam, and an oath elevates a pledge to its highest level of seriousness. When a Muslim swears by God regarding a decision, intention, or commitment, they essentially call upon their Lord, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe, as a witness to their words.
call upon their Lord, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe, as a witness to their words.
Despite the importance of oaths, there are situations where fulfilling an oath becomes impractical or where doing so would lead to a violation of rights—whether God’s, one’s own, or oth-ers’. In such cases, breaking the oath is not only allowed but may, in certain circumstances, become a religious and ethical necessity. To address this, Sharia provides a prescribed method for expiation.
The ruling is as follows:
1. Sometimes, an oath is entirely trivial, meaningless, or insig-nificant. While believers are advised to avoid making such oaths, it is a great mercy from God Almighty that He does not hold individuals accountable for such oaths, either in this world or in the hereafter.
2. To the contrary, if an oath is undertaken with firm resolve and intent—such as forming a binding agreement, affect-ing rights and obligations, or influencing matters related to what God has permitted or prohibited—then one will certainly be held accountable by God Almighty. Therefore, oaths should never be taken lightly or whimsically, but safeguarded with the utmost responsibility and seriousness.
3. If breaking such an oath becomes necessary for any reason, it is obligatory to offer expiation. The prescribed method of expiation includes feeding ten poor individuals to the standard one normally provides for their family, clothing them, or freeing a slave. If none of these options are possi-ble, fasting for three consecutive days is required.